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2004 Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems

64 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 100,000. 6 crashes reported.

owner complaints
64
of this car's complaints
6%
typical mileage
100,000
crashes
6
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    5
  • Axle assembly: axle shaft: seal
    4
  • Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
    3
  • Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
    2
  • Driveline: driveshaft
    1
  • Driveline
    1
  • Clutch assembly
    1
  • Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems in other years

1997200020052010201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Harsh shifting 32Jerking 29Won't shift 6

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported April 30, 2014 · 1,131,113 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.
Risk
If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1‑800‑553‑6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

Recall number 14V224000 · Recall details

What 2004 Chevrolet Malibu owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 11, 2019 · Transmission · 218,381 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. While the contact's son was parking the vehicle, he was unable to shift the gear out of reverse and turn off the engine. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic associated the failure with the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v224000 (power train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 218,381.

Filed Apr 8, 2019 · Steering, Transmission · 100,000 miles · IL

First steering wheel turned all the way around and secondly then car nor going backward and forward did not move

Filed Jan 15, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 295,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to move into gear when attempting to drive or reverse. Also, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact called tracy chevrolet at (209) 835-4500 (located at 3400 auto plaza way, tracy, ca 95304) and was informed to schedule an appointment. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer due to the diagnostic and repair fees. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. No further assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 295,000.

Filed Aug 1, 2018 · Steering, Transmission · FL

I received an email this morning 8/1/2018 stating my car may have recalls on it. When I click the link, I see there are 10 recalls on the 2004 chevy malibu. 10! Out of those 10, I received a notice for only two! I received a notice about my power steering which came after my wheel locked up on my while I was driving on the highway! I check the list today, and my car has had several issue that were listed: ignition, transmission, brakes, etc. I was never notified about these issues. These notices have been out since 2014 and I never received a notice about them.

Filed Jan 3, 2017 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · MO

"takata recall" my 2004 malibu does not have working cruise control , my wiring is barely working as in my locks won't work , my heat we only blows cold air on defrost my defrost barely clears my windows , my t\c light is the only light that stays on all the time and I barely have traction while driving if I'm trying to accelerate getting on the highway my wheel will lock or barely move and I have to let completely off the gas to free the wheel I get any alerts on my speedometer.

Filed Nov 21, 2016 · Airbags, Steering · PA

Inflated.

Filed Aug 26, 2016 · Transmission · 180,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. Prior to the contact owning the vehicle, the dealer indicated that a recall repair was completed for the transmission shift cable. Upon driving the vehicle, the gear failed to properly shift into park and other gears. As a result, the contact could only shift into the drive low gear at an extremely low rate of speed. The dealer replaced the transmission shift cable twice after the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

Filed Dec 30, 2015 · Airbags, Transmission · 315,000 miles · NJ · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the transmission shift cable failed. As a result, the contact lost braking and steering functions. The failure resulted in a front end collision. The air bags did not deploy. Prior to this failure, the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v224000 (power train). A police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed but it was unknown if it was diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 315,000.

Filed Dec 27, 2015 · Steering, Transmission · IL

Airbag light continues to come on. I've had this car since 1/31/2014.used. No accidents. Power steering went out. Took to gmc for recall. 2/2014 claimed it was fixed. 11/2014 steering wheel hard to turn..now the tires won't turn to the right. Loud clonking noise when I turn the steering. Tires won't turn..near accident. Had car since 1/2014 .took for recalls 2/2014 7/2014 transmission died. 1000+ in repairs. This car is a safety hazard and I am still paying for this car. Something needs to be done so that I don't have to continue to come out of pocket and waste my money.

Filed Dec 7, 2015 · Transmission · 144,067 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. The vehicle was serviced under the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v224000 (power train), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact mentioned that when the gear shifter stick was changed from park to drive and while driving at various speeds or coming to a stop, the vehicle jerked. In addition, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,067. Updated 02/05/16*lj; updated 05/04/18

Questions about the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu transmission

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 64 complaints about the transmission of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, 6% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 100,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 14V224000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Malibu have bad transmission?

The Chevrolet Malibu model years with the most transmission complaints are 2018 (171 complaints), 2016 (166 complaints) and 2017 (139 complaints).

Other 2004 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Steering 799Electrical 151Lights 84Seats 69Brakes 64Engine 37Suspension 31Fuel system 29Acceleration 27Airbags 26Driver assistance 24Seat belts 14Visibility 9Body 8Locks 8Wheels 8Tires 2

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